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People of Delhi on Thursday suggested that the Arvind Kejriwal government should start plying the state run buses and private taxis as the nation prepares to move into the fourth phase of the lockdown starting May 18.
The city government received over five lakh suggestions within 48 hours of Kejriwal seeking them from people to send to Centre. Among the suggestions we have received, many of them advocated for starting of auto rickshaws and taxis. A lot of them also said buses should start plying with around 20-25 passengers in it, CM Kejriwal said, adding that people said they were facing problems in commuting to their workplaces as permission to start work in various offices have been given. Many also urged the government to start the Delhi Metro services in a phased manner, he informed. On reopening the schools and colleges, Kejriwal said that most of the Delhiites were against it. Most people suggested that the schools and colleges should not open just as yet and should be started only after summer vacations, he informed. Delhiites also didn’t bat for opening up of various services, including barbershops, spas, salons and movie theatres. There was a common understanding that these services should not be resumed immediately as we move into the next phase of lockdown fighting against the pandemic. A majority of people, however, talked against the limitation of movement across the capital from 7 pm to 7 am. How is it going to help, they asked. People said there should not be any time limit on movement. But they all agreed that the old age people, heart patients, lung patients, diabetics should take extra precautions and limit their movement outside, he informed. Among popular demands from Delhiites was to open the restaurants with strict social distancing norms and permitting people to go out for walks in the local parks. Kejriwal said many trade associations also put in their suggestions, urging the government to allow the opening of markets — even if it means opening the shops in an odd-even manner. Some also batted for opening up of one-third of total shops in the malls to keep the business up and running. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief said all the suggestions will be discussed in a high-level meeting with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal before finalising them and sending to the Central government. The Central government had asked us for suggestions on what kind of relaxations did we need post May 17. Instead of sitting in an airconditioned room and deciding, urged the people of Delhi to respond on what they want. They have responded. Their suggestions will be taken ahead, Kejriwal concluded. The third phase of lockdown ends on May 17, with the government already announcing the fourth phase with much more relaxations.